2026 Watauga Leadership Institute Week 3: Understanding Community and Thyself
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 3 programming on Thursday, February 19, building on the momentum from the Week 2 focusing on self-leadership and authentic leadership practices.
The day began with the Challenge Cohort session, “Leadership & Community” led by Dr. Jim Street. Thus far, the cohort has leaned into understanding themselves by tackling the topic of First, Lead Yourself and then the Clifton Strengths finder. Now, they begin to discuss leading others by diving into the High Country Community.
Stop 1: You Can't Spell High Country Without Mast
Lisa Cooper, President, Mast General Store
With roots in Valle Crucis, North Carolina, the Mast General Store has grown to include eleven locations in four states. The Original Mast Store was opened in 1883 and carried everything from cradles to caskets. The store is the center of the community and is inspiration behind new “old” locations in other cities and towns. The cohort toured their original Valle Crucis location and heard from one of the most prominent community and business leaders in the High Country.
Stop 2: Building and Leading a Community
Halee Hartley, Owner, Kid Cove Child Development Center(s)
Access to quality and affordable childcare is among the top economic development initiatives in Watauga County. While local centers create space for the children of today’s workforce, the young learners they care for also represent the workforce of tomorrow. The corhort learned about efforts to stabilize this important industry and why the community embraced the opportunity to make childcare a priority.
Stop 3: Conserving, Problem-Solving, and Fighting for Boone
Dalton George, Mayor, Town of Boone
Meet the Mayor! We were fortunate to hear from the ultimate advocate for Boone and the youngest Mayor in North Carolina, Dalton George. Dalton is a fierce defender of Boone and well-versed in the many issues facing our community. We will hear about his path to becoming such a key figure in Boone.
Back at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, the Development cohort participated in deep discussion, the theme of the day being "Know Thyself." Reflecting on the North Carolina official state motto—also found on the the university seal for Appalachian State—"Esse Quam Videri." Lasting influence doesn't come from managing your image, it comes from doing the work to become someone worth following.
"WLD has been such a valuable experience for me. I’ve already seen lessons show up professionally and personally and we’re only on day three," said Lily Lipford, Director of Development for Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. "I really enjoy learning from Dr. Street and my incredible cohort.”
Thank you to Mellow Mushroom and The Cardinal for providing lunches during the day!
The Watauga Leadership Institute is a program of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, reinforcing a commitment to workforce developme and long-term community impact. The Institute is made possible through its sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, SkyLine/SkyBest, LifeStore Bank and Insurance, and Carolina West Wireless.